The ASGCA FoundationDedicated to the future of golf course architecture

About

The ASGCA (American Society of Golf Course Architects) Foundation helps those planning greenspace for recreational purposes understand how golf course architecture can increase player enjoyment, benefit the environment and grow the game of golf.

The ASGCA Foundation was founded in 1973 to help fund the research of golf course design and to disseminate that information to those interested in designating green space for recreational purposes.The Foundation today is also dedicated to supporting the health of the game of golf by funding and administering programs that grow the game. The ASGCA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The American Society of Golf Course Architects, founded in 1946, is the oldest professional organization of golf course designers in the world. Our architects have designed, renovated and remodeled many of the most famous and storied courses in golf. They are active in current projects not only in the United States and Canada, but also in Europe, Asia and beyond. Visit our website!

Initiatives

Longleaf/Multiple Tee Initiative

A joint partnership with U.S. Kids Golf Foundation that increases course playability and golfer enjoyment. The program helps golf course operators strategically expand existing tee complexes and, as a result, increase rounds and improve pace of play. The goal is for all players to enjoy the game while maintaining the design integrity and challenge of the layout

Course owners and operators work with ASGCA members to add multiple tee locations – as many as seven per hole – at yardages that encourage players to tee off from locations based on how far they carry their drive.

The Longleaf/Multiple Tee Initiative meets the ASGCA Foundation mission; supporting the health of the game by funding and administering programs that grow the game.

Site Evaluation Program

The USGA-ASGCA Site Evaluation Program was developed for golf course owners/operators interested in reconfiguring their layouts and/or devoting open land to smaller scale facilities to allow new players to learn the game.

The initiative provide grants to facilities for ASGCA members and USGA agronomists to visit and advise on how to modify or add to layouts to attract and retain players. The program saw about two dozen golf courses benefit from grants.

The Site Evaluation Program was funded by a grant from the USGA, and administrative support from the ASGCA Foundation. Prior to the Site Evaluation Program, the ASGCA Foundation worked with the PGA of America on a program called First Links, which also sent ASGCA members to golf facilities to advise on how design could bring more players to the game. The Foundation is looking forward to reporting on the implementation of plans at the facilities which have received grants.

“This is a project that we have been trying to move forward for more than three years, and having the plans and the ability to see what it could look like is key to us being able to get this accomplished.”

Scholarships

The First Tee

The ASGCA Foundation partners with CMF Global and local chapters of The First Tee to provide college scholarships to deserving high school students.

Scholarship recipients from The First Tee are invited to attend the ASGCA Annual Meeting to play golf with our members, learn how math and science is applied to golf course design and attend an awards banquet.

Wadsworth Scholars

The ASGCA Foundation, with the Wadsworth Golf Construction Company and Wadsworth Golf Charities, will provide scholarships to two college students/post-grads who demonstrate the intent to practice golf course architecture.

Wadsworth Scholars are invited to attend the ASGCA Annual Meeting, and are awarded a $2,500 academic scholarship. To request an application for the May, 2019, meeting (Phoenix), please contact Aileen Smith at aileen@asgca.org. Deadline to request an application is December 1, 2018, and applications are due February 1, 2019.

“I aspire to be someone impactful in my field as the members are of the ASGCA. The opportunity to spend the day with ASGCA members was truly a treat and will be a memorable highlight of my high school years.”

-Christina Park ASGCA Foundation Scholarship recipient, The First Tee of San Diego

Publications

The ASGCA Foundation produces a wealth of materials to assist those seeking information about building a new golf course or remodeling an existing one.

The ASGCA Foundation has published books about environmental course design, the rich traditions of the golf course architecture profession, and building a practical golf course. Currently in research is a book about how golf course architects offer design solutions to today’s water management challenges.

Support

The ASGCA Foundation, and the work we do to further the profession of golf course architecture, is only made possible by the contributions from our generous donors. Here’s how you can help.

Society of 1872

The Society of 1872 is a group of ASGCA members and non-member supporters of the ASGCA Foundation. Members pledge $15,000 to the Foundation for administrative and program support. Payment may be in one lump sum, via payment plan, or as a planned gift. About two dozen people have joined the Society of 1872.

For information on the Society of 1872, contact ASGCA Executive Director Chad Ritterbusch.

Additional Support Opportunities

If you would like to donate directly, please feel free to do so. The ASGCA Foundation welcomes any donation that helps further the game of golf.